It takes two to make a thing go right. And on Friday night, the Stamford football passing attack was outta sight.

The Bulldogs opened eyes in beating Merkel 52-13 to kick off the season, and their offense had a lot to do with it. A pair of Stamford players stood above the rest, so I had to split this week's Big Country Player of the Week.

Bevel finished 13 for 24 for 441 passing yards and four TDs. Edwards caught all four scores, totaling eight receptions for 334 yards against the Badgers.

Defensive coaches with Stamford on the schedule will be working overtime this fall.

Best of the Rest

1. Jax Bellar, Baird linebacker/running back

Bellar was a force on both sides of the ball in the Bears' 30-0 win over San Angelo Grape Creek. He led the defense with 18 tackles, which included two for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. Bellar also ran for 144 yards and a TD.

2. Kevin Franco, Breckenridge quarterback

Franco played a big role in leading the Buckaroos to a 43-36 over Jacksboro. The quarterback was 8 for 16 for 162 passing yards and two TDs. He also ran 13 times for 113 yards and two more scores.

3. Ryan Trompler, Early quarterback

The Longhorns won big in Week 1, and Trompler had an even bigger game on the stat sheet. The Early quarterback was 23 of 33 for 403 yards and three TDs passing. He also had 12 carries for 96 yards and three more scores on the ground. The Longhorns trounced Bangs 60-20.

4. Jevon Williams, Hamlin wide receiver

Williams was only one piece of a dominant Hamlin offense Friday. The Pied Pipers racked up 456 yards, including 157 through the air from Williams. He did so on five catches, scoring three TDs. Hamlin handled Anson 42-12.

5. Behren Morton, Eastland quarterback

Morton led the Mavericks to a 34-15 opening win over Comanche. The sophomore, who has received a scholarship offer from Texas Tech, went 18 for 30 for 219 passing yards and three TDs.

6. Cy Wing and Jacob Stanley, Dublin quarterback and receiver

Wing and Stanley made a couple of touchdown connections in the Lions' 45-28 win over Hico. Wing was efficient, throwing 9 of 14 for 245 yards and two TDs. Stanley had both receiving scores, finishing with five catches for 120 yards.

7. Jovan Young and Nick Brown, Winters running backs

The Blizzards rushed for 390 yards against Goldthwaite in a 34-14 win. Young and Brown led the way. Young had 14 carries for 152 yards and three TDs, while Brown had 13 rushes for 150 yards and a score.

8. Hannah Rule, Hawley outside hitter/setter

The Lady Bearcats senior led Hawley to a pair of wins during the week. Rule totaled 19 kills, 18 assists, 14 digs, two blocks and four aces in victories over Breckenridge and Clyde. She also had a 94 percent serve rate for the week.

9. Seth Anderson, Bangs running back

Anderson scored three times, racking up more than 175 yards of offense. Anderson had 13 carries for 124 rushing yards and two scores. He also caught three passes for an additional score in the Dragons' loss.

10. Yakelin Morantes, Dublin libero

Morantes, the previous Player of the Week, had 40 digs for the Lady Lions in two matches. Dublin went 1-1 for the week, beating Poolville before falling to Mineral Wells. The Lady Lions are 12-9 on the season.

To be considered for Big Country Player of the Week, athletes must be nominated by their coaches. Coaches may submit nominations for all varsity sports to Stephen Garcia at stephen.garcia@reporternews.com, 325-721-9040 or 325-676-6711. The deadline for nominations is noon Monday. Please include the athlete's name, grade level, position and stats for consideration. Big Country Player of the Week recognizes players outside the Abilene city limits who are within the Reporter-News circulation area. Players from Abilene High, Cooper, Wylie and ACHS are not eligible.